The NHL released a brief statement at 12:05 AM indicating that the players would be locked out. Here is the full, 151-word statement:

The Sept. 15 deadline for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association passed without an agreement being reached.

As a result, training camps will not open until agreement on a new CBA is reached.

Executives from the NHL and NHLPA last met Wednesday, when proposals for a new CBA were exchanged. An agreement was not reached and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Saturday no formal negotiating sessions are scheduled.

"We spoke [Saturday] and determined that there was no point in convening a formal bargaining session in light of the fact that neither side is in a position to move off of its last proposal," Daly said. "I'm sure we will keep in touch in the coming days and schedule meetings to the extent they might be useful or appropriate. We are sorry for where we are. Not what we hoped or expected."

The frustration is understandable, the NHL locked out its players on an arbitrary date after unilaterally deciding there was no point to negotiating—the third time in less than 20 years. The silver lining is that frustration and anger has provided a much more fitting name for Bettman.

Wow...big misunderstanding! GRAY Bettman is a guy on my slow pitch team...has cancelled last 3 games and has no athletic skill #mybad